Time's Up!: Early Intermediate Piano Sheet

Kevin Olson has designed this piece to make 5/4 feel natural rather than intimidating, using a repeating harmonic and rhythmic framework that lets students internalize the meter without overthinking it. The energy and catchiness make it genuinely fun to play, which means students actually want to practice it.

Bouncy and propulsive, with an infectious rhythmic energy that propels you forward. The 5/4 meter creates an asymmetrical swing that feels modern and slightly off-kilter in the best way, while the patterned writing keeps everything grounded and playable.

Early intermediate pianists ready to tackle an unusual meter without feeling lost. This works well for students who've mastered 4/4 and 3/4 and are curious about asymmetrical time signatures, but need the scaffolding that a predictable harmonic structure provides.

• Keep the pulse steady and confident. 5/4 can sound tentative if you rush or drag; lock in with a metronome at a tempo where the sixteenth-note passages feel comfortable.
• Let the patterned structure work for you. Once you nail the opening figure, you have a roadmap for much of the piece; use repetition as your ally rather than fighting it.
• Balance clarity with groove. The piece is energetic, but precision in the rhythmic patterns matters more than raw speed.

Program this at a student recital or informal performance where you want to highlight solid technical work in a contemporary context. It's energetic enough to hold an audience's attention and distinctive enough to stand out alongside traditional early intermediate repertoire, making it a strong choice for showcasing growth in meter and rhythmic independence.

• Reading and performing in 5/4 time
• Maintaining steady pulse in asymmetrical meters
• Pattern recognition and repetition as a learning tool
• Rhythmic precision and articulation in sixteenth-note passages
• Balancing tempo and musical energy without sacrificing control